New MultiCenter Prospective Study Demonstrates Signatera’s Clinical Utility in Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Rhea-AI Summary

Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRA) has announced a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology highlighting the utility of its Signatera test for surveillance in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). The prospective, multicenter study included 319 patients with stage I-IV MCC. Key findings show that Signatera demonstrated:

- Approximately 95% sensitivity for detecting clinically evident disease at enrollment
- Up to 20 times higher risk of recurrence in ctDNA-positive patients during surveillance
- 91% recurrence-free probability at 12 months for persistently ctDNA-negative patients

The study suggests that Signatera could become a standard monitoring tool in MCC, potentially reducing the frequency of surveillance imaging and guiding treatment decisions.

Positive

• Signatera showed high sensitivity (95%) in detecting clinically evident Merkel cell carcinoma
• ctDNA positivity associated with up to 20 times higher risk of recurrence
• 91% recurrence-free probability at 12 months for persistently ctDNA-negative patients
• Potential for Signatera to become a standard monitoring tool in MCC

Negative

• None.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

This study on Signatera's utility in Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) surveillance is a significant development in oncology diagnostics. The 95% sensitivity for detecting clinically evident disease and the strong correlation between ctDNA positivity and recurrence risk are particularly noteworthy.

The data suggesting that ctDNA-positive patients have up to 20 times higher risk of recurrence compared to ctDNA-negative patients is a game-changer for MCC management. This could potentially revolutionize how we approach surveillance and treatment decisions for MCC patients.

Moreover, the 91% recurrence-free probability at 12 months for persistently ctDNA-negative patients is impressive. This could lead to reduced frequency of surveillance imaging for these patients, potentially lowering healthcare costs and patient anxiety.

However, it's important to note that while these results are promising, further studies may be needed to confirm the long-term clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of this approach in real-world settings.

Financial Analyst

From a financial perspective, this study could significantly boost Natera's market position in the oncology diagnostics sector. The MCC market, while relatively small due to the rarity of the disease, represents a high-value niche due to the aggressive nature of the cancer and the current limitations in surveillance methods.

If Signatera becomes the standard monitoring tool for MCC, as the authors suggest, it could drive substantial revenue growth for Natera. The test's applicability to all MCC patients, regardless of viral status, gives it a competitive edge over current methods.

Moreover, the potential to reduce the frequency of surveillance imaging could make Signatera an attractive option for healthcare providers and payers, potentially accelerating its adoption. This could lead to increased test volumes and, consequently, higher revenues for Natera.

Investors should monitor for any updates on regulatory approvals, inclusion in clinical guidelines and reimbursement decisions, as these factors will be important for the commercial success of Signatera in the MCC market.

Oncology Doctor

As an oncologist, I find the results of this study particularly compelling. The high sensitivity of Signatera in detecting clinically evident disease and its strong prognostic value could significantly improve our ability to manage MCC patients.

The potential to stratify patients based on their ctDNA status is particularly valuable. For ctDNA-positive patients, we might consider more aggressive surveillance or earlier intervention with adjuvant therapies. Conversely, for persistently ctDNA-negative patients, we could potentially reduce the frequency of imaging, minimizing radiation exposure and healthcare costs.

However, it's important to note that while this test shows promise, it should be used in conjunction with other clinical factors and not as a standalone decision-making tool. We need to be cautious about over-reliance on a single biomarker, no matter how promising.

Furthermore, the study's results need to be validated in larger, more diverse patient populations and over longer follow-up periods to fully understand the test's long-term predictive value and its impact on overall survival outcomes.

Study reports high accuracy of Signatera for surveillance of MCC patients, suggests potential to reduce frequency of surveillance imaging

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRA), a global leader in cell-free DNA testing, today announced a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology highlighting the utility of its personalized and tumor-informed molecular residual disease (MRD) test, Signatera, for surveillance in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). The full study can be found here.

MCC is an aggressive skin cancer with high mortality and a recurrence rate of 40% within 5 years.¹ MRD testing using a viral antibody is recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)², but this tumor marker is only present in 52% of patients and has several known limitations^3-4. There is an unmet need for improved MRD testing technologies that are applicable to all patients, regardless of their viral status.

This prospective, multicenter, observational study included 319 patients with stage I-IV MCC. Signatera was used to assess ctDNA levels at the time of enrollment, and every 3 months during the surveillance period. Key findings include:

• Signatera showed a test sensitivity of approximately 95% for detecting clinically evident disease at time of enrollment.
• ctDNA positivity during surveillance was associated with up to 20 times higher risk of recurrence than persistently ctDNA-negative patients.
• At 12 months of surveillance, the recurrence-free probability was 9% among patients with a positive ctDNA result at any time, compared with 91% for patients who remained ctDNA-negative.

“There is a strong need for highly accurate biomarkers in merkel cell carcinoma, an incredibly aggressive and rare form of skin cancer,” said Lisa Zaba, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of dermatology, director of the MCC multi-disciplinary clinic and member of the supportive oncodermatology group at the Stanford Cancer Center. “Our study shows that a tumor-informed MRD test can inform prognosis and guide surveillance in patients with MCC, regardless of tumor viral status.”

“We are encouraged by the excellent performance of Signatera in this study, where high prognostic accuracy was demonstrated, and where we can see the significant clinical utility of MRD testing for detecting recurrence in MCC patients,” said Angel Rodriguez, M.D., senior medical director at Natera and co-author of the study. “We are optimistic that Signatera will become a standard monitoring tool in this highly lethal cancer type, enabling clinicians to select patients with MRD who might benefit most from adjuvant therapy and better determine who may or may not need more frequent imaging with a high degree of confidence.”

About Signatera

Signatera is a personalized, tumor-informed, molecular residual disease test for patients previously diagnosed with cancer. Custom-built for each individual, Signatera uses circulating tumor DNA to detect and quantify cancer left in the body, identify recurrence earlier than standard of care tools, and help optimize treatment decisions. The test is available for clinical and research use and is covered by Medicare for patients with colorectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and muscle invasive bladder cancer, as well as for immunotherapy monitoring of any solid tumor. Signatera has been clinically validated across multiple cancer types and indications, with published evidence in more than 70 peer-reviewed papers.

About Natera

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA and genetic testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. We aim to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health, and inform earlier, more targeted interventions that help lead to longer, healthier lives. Natera’s tests are validated by more than 200 peer-reviewed publications that demonstrate high accuracy. Natera operates ISO 13485-certified and CAP-accredited laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) in Austin, Texas and San Carlos, California. For more information, visit www.natera.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements and are not a representation that Natera’s plans, estimates, or expectations will be achieved. These forward-looking statements represent Natera’s expectations as of the date of this press release, and Natera disclaims any obligation to update the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including with respect to whether the results of clinical or other studies will support the use of our product offerings, the impact of results of such studies, our expectations of the reliability, accuracy and performance of our tests, or of the benefits of our tests and product offerings to patients, providers and payers. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in "Risk Factors" in Natera’s recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q and in other filings Natera makes with the SEC from time to time. These documents are available at www.natera.com/investors and www.sec.gov.

References

1. McEvoy AM, Lachance K, Hippe DS, et al. Recurrence and Mortality Risk of Merkel Cell Carcinoma by Cancer Stage and Time From Diagnosis. JAMA Dermatol. 2022;158(4):382-389.
2. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Merkel Cell Carcinoma Version 1.2024. © National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. 2024. All rights reserved. Accessed March 25, 2024.
3. Paulson KG, Lewis CW, Redman MW, et al. Viral oncoprotein antibodies as a marker for recurrence of Merkel cell carcinoma: A prospective validation study. Cancer. 2017;123(8):1464-1474.
4. Paulson KG, Carter JJ, Johnson LG, et al. Antibodies to merkel cell polyomavirus T antigen oncoproteins reflect tumor burden in merkel cell carcinoma patients. Cancer Res. 2010;70(21):8388-97. 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240726557773/en/

Investor Relations: Mike Brophy, CFO, Natera, Inc., 510-826-2350, investor@natera.com

Media: Lesley Bogdanow, VP of Corporate Communications, Natera, Inc., pr@natera.com

Source: Natera, Inc.

FAQ

What is the accuracy of Signatera in detecting Merkel cell carcinoma (NTRA)?

The study showed that Signatera has a test sensitivity of approximately 95% for detecting clinically evident Merkel cell carcinoma at the time of enrollment.

How does ctDNA positivity affect recurrence risk in MCC patients using Signatera (NTRA)?

ctDNA positivity during surveillance was associated with up to 20 times higher risk of recurrence compared to persistently ctDNA-negative patients.

What is the recurrence-free probability for MCC patients who remain ctDNA-negative with Signatera (NTRA)?

At 12 months of surveillance, patients who remained ctDNA-negative had a 91% recurrence-free probability.

How many patients were included in the Signatera MCC study by Natera (NTRA)?

The prospective, multicenter, observational study included 319 patients with stage I-IV Merkel cell carcinoma.